FryDog62

I just went thru the same decision - the one factor that made the choice easy was the reel seat. This has been noted on many reviews of the GLX (see TW site for starters). The reel seat is far forward and if you palm your reel, very difficult/uncomfortable. Worth the extra $80 to get the NRX and not be annoyed all day with your grip.

Water temps too cold for bass anymore in Minnesota, so switched to do a little Muskie fishing before ice up... Actually caught two... magic day - -

Two things to add: 1) Reel... I think the Daiwa Tatula CT your targeting would be a great reel. Consider upgrading to the SV TW if you regularly skip the frogs under docks, overhangs, etc... works great. Also consider the highest gear ratio - I use an 8:1 and it’s great for picking up the line when you pop it or walk the dog. 2) The rods I compared directly that I DIDN’T buy: A) I’m a former St Croix fan but think almost all of their models MH or H are heavy broomsticks. I compared the Legend Tournament Bass and returned it once I screwed the reel on. Heavy and poorly balanced. I cannot imagine walking the dog with a rod like that very long at all. B ) Daiwa Tatula L/T Frog rod. The “L” in LT is to be Light and it’s not... very similar to the St. Croix. C) Carbonlite, ok overall but not quite as light/sensitive as the Tatula XT (which is also very strong in the slop) that I finally bought. I spent $80 on the XT and chose it over the $270 Legend Tournament Bass! The other alternative worth considering IMO is the Fury. Typically well-balanced rods that won’t wear you out on a long day in/around the weeds. Good luck in your decision... some decent options in that $80-100 range.

I’ll join you... 154 sounds a lot better than 171..!

I compared the Carbonlite as well as the Daiwa Tatula XT. Went with the XT Heavy... found it to be a bit beefier rod yet lighter in weight than the Carbonlite. Probably get the XT on line or at Tacklewarehouse on Black Friday for $80-90. But either rod would be good for what you’re doing..

I think a good call would be to the local Scheels. I’ve talked to guys there before in the fishing dept and they had some ideas on where to start anyway. That time of year walleye might be your best bet though...

Only 171 days to stare out the window until I take my boat out of storage and head out of state to fish...?

I will hold you to it my friend!!

Ended the season today with a bang... time to winterize the boat as the weather looks like it’s taking a dive..

You’re both really close... My point is it’s not that different than the one in the original post... maybe a tad smaller but not half the weight..

Anyone want to estimate the length/weight of this one?

Fluke fan too, but graduated to a new level couple years ago and haven’t gone back. 5 inch Caffeine Shad on an Owner Twistlock Light, either unweighted or with a 3/32 oz. With this realistic dying/falling action I get 3x number of bites and good hook ups with the Owner.

Would recommend the others above over a St. Croix product. Good quality but their MH and Heavy rods weigh a lot especially in the tip. Try them out side-by-side with other brands you’ll know what I mean.

Well, this is as close as I’ve gotten to an Orange Smallmouth. A 20 incher, with a pale underside and orange fins... caught yesterday on a tributary out of Mille Lacs. Maybe from all the rusty crayfish they eat??

Even my daughter got in the act, before she moves for her new job out of state. Sad day for me, but good fishing for her...

A few 19’s and 20’s left in the river. Water temps 44.

Rod Butt - “It’s not a Tumor...”

Sorry, no intention of hi-jacking the thread but have thought of the same trip either next Spring, or more likely late next Fall. Curious as to average size of smallmouth and where they top out length/weight?

Sounds like a good day. The water looks pretty calm for Mille Lacs standards anyway. Agree that the Coppertreuse or Orange/Green Pumpkin are great colors for the smallies!

You sound t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e... probably have a fever, it’s going around, better get on the water quick..

Well throat is feeling a little better anyway...

Now that I mention it, my throat is starting to feel a little sore now too ... hhmm..

Usually means the fish get more active, all species but especially muskies in the Fall. You find a lot of Muskie heads calling in with Strep during the full moon phase...

Full moon in a couple days

The Phantom hook stays pinned well, watch the video on the TW page where Justin Lucas shows how to rig it. The 4/0 Twistlock hook would probably work best with a 4 inch tube, although I have used it on both a 3.5 inch and 4.5 inch Power Tube before. Might have to stretch the 3.5 a bit. Of the two hooks, if you are rigging a small Tender Tube for instance, I would use the 3/0 Phantom Hook.